ABSTRACT
The imagery of male divinities in the Romano-Celtic world displays a vitality and variety in repertoire which certainly equals and may sometimes surpass that of the goddesses and the couples. The traditionally masculine prerogatives of war and hunting are represented; the worshippers of the supernatural power emanating from the sun and sky may be seen to have envisaged a predominantly masculine image. But in addition to the aggressive deities, the conquering warrior-guardian and sky-lord, there appears a group of gentler gods, whose main concern seems to be quiet beneficence, good-will and prosperity. Gratitude for the abundance and fruitfulness of earth is expressed by the veneration of gods whose sphere of influence was wine, crop-growth, and the care of animals. It is especially in this latter context that we may observe a very close link between the symbolism of the male partner in the divine marriage (Chapter 3) and gods who appear by themselves. We will thus meet many familiar entities: the hammer-god; the antlered Cernunnos; and the Celtic Mercury. We see once more the ambiguous role of the Celtic Mars, who is a warrior at one level but a healer and protector against barrenness at another.
